Hospitalizations of patients with rheumatoid arthritis in Polish intensive care units or cardiac intensive care units in 2011-2021: population study.

Introduction: Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic autoimmune disease associated with significant comorbidities, including cardiovascular and respiratory complications, leading to increased hospitalization rates in Intensive Care Units (ICUs) and Cardiac Intensive Care Units (CICUs). This study examines factors related to ICU/CICU admissions among Polish RA patients from 2011 to 2021.

Objectives: The study aims to analyze trends in ICU/CICU admissions, identify key factors influencing outcomes, and assess the impact of comorbidities on RA patient ICU/CICU mortality in critical care settings.

Patients and methods: This retrospective population-based study utilized data from the Polish national hospital morbidity registry. Inclusion criteria included ICU/CICU admission and an ICD-10 code for RA. A total of 3,066 hospitalization records were analyzed, focusing on demographics, length of stay, primary diagnosis, and ICU/CICU mortality rates. Logistic regression was used to evaluate predictors of ICU/CICU mortality.

Results: The study revealed a rising trend in ICU/CICU admissions, with a significant increase in 2021, potentially due to the Coronavirus Disease 19 (COVID-19) pandemic. The overall ICU/CICU mortality rate was 39.1%, with the highest values observed in patients with gastrointestinal (58.5%) and endocrine/metabolic diseases (61.5%). Urgent admissions and older age were significant predictors of ICU/CICU mortality (P < 0.001), while gender was not a significant factor.

Conclusions: The findings emphasize the need for early intervention and comprehensive management strategies to mitigate severe RA complications. Future research should explore long-term outcomes and the impact of RA treatments on ICU/CICU care.